Howcast

How to Buy the Right Quilting Tools

Howcast — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 14:45:49 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Visit quilting craft store web sites Visit quilting craft store web sites for descriptions of quilting tools along with tips for beginners.
Step 2: Buy a rotary cutter and cutting mat Buy a rotary cutter and self-healing cutting mat.
TIP: Buy a rotary cutter with a retractable blade as a safety feature. Buy a rotary cutter with a retractable blade as a safety feature.
Step 3: Buy a measuring tool for rotary cutting Buy a measuring tool for rotary cutting. A clear plastic ruler provides a simple guideline, especially for beginners with shaky hands.
Step 4: Buy a variety scissors Buy scissors that are different sizes. Use an inexpensive pair for cutting template materials, snips for trimming threads, applique scissors for close, precise cutting, and 6-inch straight trimmers for most fabric weights.
TIP: Scissors should feel comfortable in your hand. Spring action scissors are for users with weak hands.
Step 5: Buy packs of needles and pins of various sizes Buy packs of sewing needles and pins of various sizes to sample which best suits your quilting activities. Straight pins easily pierce layers of fabric, pins with glass heads won’t melt when you’re using a steam iron.
Step 6: Buy templates and marking tools Buy templates and marking tools, including transparent plastic template materials or pre-cut templates. A no. 2 lead pencil and a .5 millimeter mechanical pencil are common marking tools.
Step 7: Use a household steam iron with a pressing surface Use a common household steam iron with a pressing surface.
FACT: Quilting can be traced back to ancient Egypt and China where three layers of fabric were stitched together to keep the middle layer from slipping and clumping.

You Will Need

A computer with internet access
A rotary cutter
A cutting mat
6 x 12 and 6 x 24 rulers
Scissors
Applique scissors
Thread trimming snips
6-inch straight trimmers
Sewing needles
Straight pins
Plastic templates
A no. 2 pencil
A .5 millimeter mechanical pencil
A steam iron

How to Applique Quilts

Howcast — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 14:15:56 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Choose design Choose an applique design, keeping in mind basic shapes are the easiest and best suited for beginners.
Step 2: Choose fabric Choose a fabric or fabrics for your applique that compliment your quilt fabric in color and texture.
Step 3: Make a template Make a simple template by tracing or drawing your design on freezer paper, and then cutting it out.
TIP: Experiment with a few designs and fabrics before committing to your quilt applique on a large scale.
Step 4: Cut applique fabric Place your template on the wrong side of the applique fabric and cut out the design, leaving a generous ¼-inch seam allowance.
Step 5: Fold and press seam allowance Fold the seam allowance over the freezer paper template on all edges. Then press the edges flat with a hot iron.
TIP: Clip seam allowance curves and corners to keep the seam allowance flat, depending on your design.
Step 6: Attach to quilt fabric Attach the applique to your quilt fabric with pins, without removing the freezer paper. Then stitch it in place using a blind, hem, or decorative embroidery stitch.
Step 7: Trim quilt fabric Cut the quilt fabric away, but leave a ¼-inch seam allowance. Then remove the freezer paper.
TIP: Freezer paper is easily removed with tweezers.
Step 8: Duplicate Duplicate your applique as many times as required to complete your quilt top design, knowing you are following a time-honored needlework tradition.
FACT: Issac Singer helped free women from the task of hand sewing when he patented and manufactured his sewing machine model in the 1850s.

You Will Need

Quilt fabric
Contrasting fabric
Freezer paper
A pencil
Scissors
An iron
Straight pins
A sewing machine or sewing needle
Thread
Tweezers (optional)

How to Buy Quilting Supplies

Howcast — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 09:15:52 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Decide on a type of quilt Decide on a type of quilt. Common quilts include a traditional quilt made of similar fabric materials and weight; a scrap quilt with various materials; and a quilt with a predesigned print pattern.
TIP: Use photos of completed quilts to give you ideas.
Step 2: Decide on types of quilting fabrics Decide on types of quilting fabrics. Pure cotton is recommended for durability, moisture absorption, and manageability; and scrap quilts can have a variety of materials, such as silk and wool.
TIP: Fabrics with similar fiber contents are recommended because some fabrics can be more fragile than others.
Step 3: Decide on the amount of fabric Decide on the amount of fabric that you’ll need for your quilt. Quilt fabrics are commonly sold in fat quarters, or ¼ of a square yard.
Step 4: Buy quality quilting thread Buy quality quilting thread, preferably cotton or cotton-covered polyester. Cheap thread can cut fabric and produce lint. If you’re using a sewing machine, buy machine-quilting thread.
Step 5: Buy batting for your quilt Buy batting for your quilt. Wool, silk, cotton, and polyester are common batting materials. Polyester is inexpensive and non-allergenic.
FACT: The Kent State University Museum displays a quilt by former slave Elizabeth Keckley, believed to be made from Mary Todd Lincoln’s dress scraps.

You Will Need

Quilt fabric
Quilting thread
Quilt batting
Photos of completed quilts (optional)

How to Choose Quilt Fabrics

Howcast — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 09:35:53 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Determine quilt’s purpose Determine what the quilt is for. Is it for a baby, a child, an adult, or for decoration?
TIP: Baby quilts should be made from washable cotton or flannel. A decorative quilt can be made with silk, satin, or other fine fabrics that may require dry cleaning.
Step 2: Choose a color scheme Use a color wheel to choose colors that suit the purpose of the quilt and that complement one another. Consider the visual effect of the colors.
Step 3: Choose patterns Choose complementary patterns. Pair a large print with a small print or a print with a solid.
TIP: Using more than one large print creates visual confusion and makes the quilt too busy.
Step 4: Lay fabrics next to each other Lay fabric selections next to one another to see if any one fabric stands out. Discard and replace fabrics that do not complement the group.
Step 5: Cut fabric and take home Determine the amount of fabric you need for your quilt and have the store cut it for you. Take your selections home and make a quilt that can be enjoyed for generations to come.
FACT: One of the most famous and important works by an African-American folk artist is the Harriet Powers Bible Quilt made by the former slave Harriet Powers.

You Will Need

Quilt type
Color wheel
Eye for coordinating patterns and colors

How to Choose a Baby Quilt Pattern

Howcast — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 07:31:45 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Plan color scheme Plan a color scheme linked to the baby’s nursery colors or gender. Yellow works well for both boys and girls.
Step 2: Browse patterns Browse pattern books available at your library or bookstore, or peruse quilting web sites for an overview of the types of patterns suitable for baby quilts.
Step 3: Decide style Decide whether you wish to fashion a traditional style baby quilt, or use a pattern reflecting contemporary designs.
TIP: Reduce the amount of time required to complete the quilt by purchasing pre-cut pieces suitable for your pattern choice.
Step 4: Match pattern to taste and skill level Select a pattern matched to your tastes and skill level, keeping in mind that complex patterns require greater skill levels and more time to complete.
TIP: Novice quilters might consider taking a quilting class to learn the basics.
Step 5: Calculate costs Calculate project costs. If your preferred pattern matches your budget, you’re on your way to welcoming baby with a one-of-a-kind gift created with love.
FACT: The National Museum of History in Washington D.C. houses the National Quilt Collection, which includes 500 quilts and quilt-related articles.

You Will Need

A color scheme
Pattern books
Online access to quilting websites
A quilting class (optional)

How to Design Quilts

Howcast — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 13:31:03 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Choose a size Choose a size for your quilt project. A wall hanging can be any size, but bed quilts should measure close to standard sizes.
Step 2: Choose a pattern Choose a pattern for your quilt. Most projects are built of blocks, a patchwork pattern which is repeated in rows and columns.
TIP: Beginners should stick with simple blocks that involve squares and rectangles.
Step 3: Calculate number of blocks and add borders or sashing Calculate how many rows and columns of blocks you need for your size quilt. Add sashing – strips of fabric between blocks, or borders – strips of fabric on the edges of the joined blocks.
TIP: Use a software program to experiment with different block sizes and layouts.
Step 4: Choose your colors and fabrics Choose the colors and fabrics you want in your quilt.
Step 5: Lay out the quilt blocks Lay out your quilt blocks in rows after piecing them together. Move blocks around to see which fit together best.
Step 6: Choose your quilting pattern Choose a pattern for quilting once you have the top assembled and basted with batting and backing. Stitch “in the ditch” of your seams, or stitch different shapes, to make your quilt unique.
FACT: Faith Ringgold has a “story quilt” on permanent exhibition at New York’s Guggenheim Museum and her painted quilts have won several awards for illustration.

You Will Need

A quilt block pattern or graph paper
Fabrics
An eye for color
Quilt design software (optional)